About the Written Exam
What is the Written Exam?
The Certified Concrete Pump Operator (CCPO) Written Exam is a multiple-choice question test of core competencies in Concrete Pump operations. It's a test of general theory and safety but does not determine on-the-job competency. The written exam is a prerequisite for the CCPO practical assessment(s).
There are TWO CCPO Written examinations; CCPO Written Exam (ALL PUMP TYPES) and CCPO Written Exam (LINE PUMP / SHOTCRETE ONLY).
The ALL PUMP TYPES exam qualifies the operator to challenge any of the 5 CCPO practical assessments, as it covers competencies including those related to boom pump operation.
The LINE PUMP / SHOTCRETE ONLY exam qualifies the operator to challenge only the Low-Pressure Line Pump and High-Pressure Line Pump practical assessments. This written exam is intended for operators who are primarily shotcrete operators or run line pumps only. If you run a tower placing boom or truck mounted boom pump, you must complete the ALL PUMP TYPES written exam. Operators who complete the LINE PUMP / SHOTCRETE ONLY examination who later wish to qualify as a boom pump or tower placing boom operator, must complete the ALL PUMP TYPES examination.
What are the application fees?
The fee for the Written Exam is $250. The same fee applies to retest candidates.
What to expect with the exam?
The Written Exam will take about 1 hour (60 minutes) to complete. Each exam written contains a unique combination of multiple-choice questions from our question bank. These questions are selected for the exam on the basis of the content area. All of the questions have been reviewed by industry experts and a psychometrician.
From the Candidate Handbook pages 19 & 20, here are sample questions PDF typical of the style and content of the questions used in the Written Exam.
The CCPO exam is virtually proctored utilizing the Integrity Advocate identification and test proctoring system. The Integrity advocate system must confirm your identity in order to start the exam. If your identity cannot be confirmed, the system will not allow the user to continue.
Before you begin the CCPO written exam, please ensure:
- You have a government issued ID available, which includes your full name and a clear picture
- A desktop computer or laptop with:
- A stable internet connection
- A working web-camera
- You are in a quiet environment
- The name on your government identification matches the name in your CCPO Portal account
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR A SHORT INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO.
Written Exam Outline
| CATEGORY |
PERCENTAGE |
| Safety & Professionalism |
15% |
| Communication |
3% |
| Pre-Operation Inspection (Pump Off) |
5% |
| Pre-Operation Inspection (Power On/Off) |
5% |
| Operating the Vehicle |
10% |
| Setting up Pump & Components |
20% |
| Operating Pump & Components |
25% |
| Cleaning Pump & Components |
12% |
| Maintenance |
5% |
How to pass the exam?
To successfully pass the Written Exam, the "minimum passing" score is 70%. Exam results are reported as a scaled value, ranging from 0 to 100 points. A minimum score of 70 is required to successfully pass the Written Exam. For more information see Test Scoring Information & Reporting in the Certification Policies section.
How do I schedule taking the Written Exam?
CCPO Candidate Handbook
The CCPO Candidate Handbook is a PDF guide outlining the certification program and our program policies and procedures. The Candidate Handbook is not a study guide or intended as training material. As a certification authority, to maintain impartiality in our certification activities, we do not provide any training for concrete pump operators.
Please note, the CCPO Candidate Handbook is currently unavailable. For program related assistance, please contact the CCPO Coordinator directly at (604) 636-0327 / ccpo@bccsa.ca, or visit our Certification Policies page. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience as necessary revisions to the handbook are completed.
